HOBOKEN – When construction contracts over $100,000 are awarded for work in the Hoboken Housing Authority, contractors are now required to hire residents of the public housing complex to make up at least 30 percent of the workforce. The resolution was passed unanimously by the Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners on March 9.

Hoboken housing officials said the resolution came about because its complexes have “a significant residential population that can benefit from employment in the field of construction,” according to a press release.

Under the resolution: “The housing authority cannot limit the rights of contractors under applicable state and federal laws and regulations, but, can, within the bid specifications, require contractors to pay the prevailing wage and hire a designated group of individuals.”

Once hired, the contractors must create a federally-approved apprentice program for residents of the housing authority, and the program will provide training that will give residents a “variety of career opportunities.”

“I’m always looking for ways to help our residents find work,” said Carmelo Garcia, Director of the Housing Authority, in a release. Garcia himself grew up in public housing. “This is not temporary employment. Residents will be able to begin sustainable careers.”